Two Key Ocean Governance Challenges for Sao Tome and Principe

Abstract

Living resources directly support the livelihood of coastal communities in Sao Tome e Principe, while oil and gas reserves are needed to improve economic growth. Yet these resources are widely coveted, resulting in illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, as well as illegal oil bunkering and theft of crude oil. STP has settled its maritime boundaries with Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, but not with Nigeria. Instead, the two countries agreed on a joint development regime in the disputed maritime area, albeit unsuccessfully. This article examines two key challenges currently facing STP: unblocking the STP-Nigeria joint development agreement and addressing IUUF.